NEW ORLEANS, La. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – The average life expectancy of a person born in the United States today is 79. A century ago, that age was 54. There is a lot of evidence out there about how to live to 70, 80, 90, or even 100. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, eat a healthy diet, and exercise – these pieces of advice always seem too general. But there are five very specific, science-based things you can do today to extend your life by ten or more years.
According to a new study from Tulane University, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by 20 percent if you climb at least 50 stairs a day.
“You don’t have to go to the gym. You can do this every day,” says Lu Qi, MD, PhD, director of the Obesity Research Center at Tulane University.
And as for diet, a study of nearly half a million participants found that those who switched from soda and processed meat to whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and fish lived an average of ten years longer.
Avoid salt. For the first time, salt consumption has been linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“Salting food is a behavioral variable, it is an eating behavior,” said Dr. Qi.
Researchers believe that salt causes people to eat larger portions, increasing their risk of obesity and inflammation.
Also, find ways to manage your stress. This will reduce your risk of early death by 22 percent. Other ways to combat stress include keeping a daily routine, limiting screen time and staying connected with others. And get a good night’s sleep. The key word is “good.” That means seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep.
How much do your genes play a role in how long you live? The New England Centenarian study found that genes account for less than a third of your chances of living to age 85. The rest depends on your lifestyle.
Click here to report a typo.
Copyright 2024 WAFB. All rights reserved.
